In 2025, the landscape for small business owners and startup founders is more dynamic than ever. With a plethora of events for SMB founders tailored to innovation, networking, and growth, it’s crucial to identify the ones that align best with your business goals. Whether you’re seeking funding, mentorship, or the latest industry insights, here’s a curated list of the top 10 events you shouldn’t miss this year.
National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
● Date: May 4–10, 2025
● Location: Online
● Why Attend: Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this free summit offers
workshops, networking opportunities, and resources tailored for small business growth.
SBA National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
Startup Grind Global Conference
● Date: April 29–30, 2025
● Location: Silicon Valley, CA
● Why Attend: Connect with over 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Gain
insights from industry leaders and participate in workshops designed to scale your
startup.
Startup Grind Global Conference
Small Business Expo (Multiple Cities)
● Dates: Various dates throughout 2025
● Locations: Major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago
● Why Attend: A premier B2B trade show, offering networking, workshops, and exposure
to new products and services tailored for small businesses.
Tech Week 2025
● Dates: June 2–8 (New York), October 6–12 (San Francisco), October 13–19 (Los
Angeles)
● Why Attend: Presented by a16z, Tech Week is a decentralized conference featuring
hundreds of events, from panels to hackathons, connecting startups with top funds and
companies.
AfroTech Conference
● Date: October 27–31, 2025
● Location: Houston, TX
● Why Attend: A gathering of Black tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Engage in discussions on emerging technologies and connect with a community driving
change in the tech industry.
Slush 2025
● Date: November 19–20, 2025
● Location: Helsinki, Finland
● Why Attend: One of the world’s leading startup events, Slush brings together founders
and investors for networking, pitching, and learning opportunities.
MIT Global Startup Workshop
● Date: March 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
● Location: Warsaw, Poland
● Why Attend: Organized by MIT, this workshop focuses on fostering entrepreneurship
through lectures, panels, and competitions, offering a global perspective on startup
ecosystems.
VivaTech 2025
● Date: June 11–14, 2025
● Location: Paris, France
● Why Attend: Europe’s largest tech event, VivaTech showcases innovations and
provides a platform for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders.
CommBank SmallBiz Week
● Date: April 29–30, 2025
● Location: Melbourne, Australia
● Why Attend: A comprehensive event for small businesses, featuring over 150 speakers
and 250 exhibits, focusing on growth strategies and technological advancements.
SXSW (South by Southwest) – Business Track
● Date: March 7–15, 2025
● Location: Austin, TX
● Why Attend: While known for its music and film festivals, SXSW’s business track offers
valuable insights into emerging technologies, startup scaling, and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Attending these events for SMB founders can provide invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and business growth. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, these conferences offer insights and connections to propel your business forward.
